RIB 1991:N(umini) Aug(usti) / deo Vana/unti Aurel(ius) / Armiger / dec(urio) princ(eps) (‘For the spirit of the Emperor (and) for the god Vanauns, Aurelius Armiger, senior decurion (set this up)’). Altar found in the High Holm, 60yds S of the Wall and 140yds W of the River Cambeck. Source: RIB I p.611

Analysis

The usual unit dedications to Jupiter are represented by a sequence of altars (1979–83) set up by the two principal garrison units, cohortes IV Gallorum and II Tungrorum. Both of these were part-mounted and the Tungrians were additionally double strength. The trio of Mithraic altars (1991–4) appear to indicate the presence of a mithraeum in the vicus outside the fort. Dedications to Belatucadrus (1996–7) and the Mother Goddesses (1988–9) are also present, whilst an appeal to Discipulina (1998) need not imply unruliness. Altars to Mars (1986–7) do not occasion surprise, but one for Neptune (1990) is intriguing and may have been dedicated after a sea voyage or even an earth tremor.

Finally, the fragmentary figured tombstone of the hirsute (and almost certainly Antonine) Gemellus (2003), a custos armorum, attracts the attention. Although the precise function of a custos armorum is unknown, it is assumed they had some role in the monitoring and maintenance of equipment in a unit.